BANASHLEY, Ursula

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ 05/04/2012 Ursula Banashley, 59, of Canyon Day died tragically April 23, 2012, at her home in Canyon Day. She was born April 26, 1952, to the late Domingo and Anita (Nosie) DeClay in Whiteriver. Ursula was very active and loved to walk and cook tamales. She was always working outside on her yard and was often seen chasing horses with her sling shot. She loved to gamble and could be found often at Hon-Dah casino where she had many friends. Ursula was always helping out at any event she could and was always seen smiling. She loved to joke around and tease people and had an infectious smile and laugh that could be heard and seen over any crowd. Very traditional in her ways, she loved to attend the Sunrise Dances. She had a signature dance that everyone loved and many will remember her by. This dance helped her to win many awards at the annual Heritage Song and Dance festivities along with her attire that won many awards as well. She loved to do bead work regularly, liked butterflies and adored all things purple. She enjoyed attending church every Sunday but her greatest joy was spoiling her grandchildren. She was very close with her sister and will be missed by her many family members and friends whom she had throughout the whole White Mountains. Ursula is survived by her daughters: Cleo (Mondale) Duane of Whiteriver, Tina Henry of Snohomish, Wash.; son John (Katherine) Henry of Whiteriver; traditional goddaughter Darnell Lupe of Whiteriver; godsons: Matt Altaha and Mason Clendon of Whiteriver; brother Kenneth George, Sr. of San Carlos, Randall (Christine) DeClay, Sr. of Whiteriver; sister Linda (Cliff) McCreery of Whiteriver; grandchildren: John Henry, Jr., Montrell Duane, Willibaldo Flores-Diaz, Tiburcio Flores-Diaz, Kelsey Henry, Anita Williams, Cloe Duane, Feather Rae Duane and Cadence Duane. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo “Sonny” Banashley and son, Laromie “Chummie” Banashley. A two night wake started at 10 a.m. Thursday May 3, at her home, 525 Tumbleweed Road in Canyon Day. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday May 5, at the Chief Alchesay Activity Center in Whiteriver. Interment will follow in the Canyon Day Cemetery. Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel of Show Low handled arrangements. Those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book are invited to visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com.